‘Thank You For Your Service’
– A Meaningful Sign of Gratitude For Our Veterans
On Monday, November 11th, communities across the State will salute our servicemen and women, both past and present. Veterans Day ceremonies will honor those who have made significant contributions to our country in times of war and peace, and for our veterans, this particular day may bring a flood of memories – both good and bad.
Throughout the year, we at the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services have the honor and privilege of recognizing the service of our veterans on a daily basis. We hear their stories, we share in their joy, and we are empathetic to their struggles. In a few short weeks, the Bureau will have the opportunity to host a Veteran Recognition Ceremony at the State House in Augusta, and we look forward to giving our veterans the official recognition we know they deserve.
In the fall of 2018, MBVS worked with Maine Artist, Georgette Kanach to design the State of Maine’s first ever “Honorable Service Coin” and plaque – a plaque that will hang in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House. As part of the State’s dedicated recognition program, MBVS will present the newly designed coin, along with a certificate of appreciation to Maine veterans in acknowledgment of their service and sacrifice.
One of the important missions of the Bureau is to extend a ‘Thank You’ to our veterans to properly recognize their service, and these recognition ceremonies are a great opportunity for us to celebrate and acknowledge their service publicly. This ceremony will be the first official public presentation of the coin and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to unveil it.
Prior to the design of the “Honorable Service Coin”, the State of Maine’s recognition program honored veterans of World War I, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Women Veterans Coin.
The veterans we work with appreciate the support and acknowledgment of their sacrifices made in service to this country. The bell rang, and they answered. They don’t consider themselves heroes – just Americans fulfilling their duty. In the State of Maine, a state which has one of the highest numbers of veterans per capita, it’s important to know that our veterans are not forgotten, nor will we allow it.
We are fortunate to have a rich tradition of military service in Maine. Despite not having an Active Duty military base in the State, the Maine Army National Guard as well as the Maine Air National Guard have over 3,000 soldiers and airmen in current service. Our Guardsmen are deployed around the globe and represent the State of Maine honorably. Although we may not hear about our troops as often as we once did, our Maine service members and their families continue to sacrifice in silence for the defense of our nation.
At the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, we remain committed to leading Maine’s Veteran advocate community in order to best serve our Veteran population. Whether it is improving access to education opportunities, bolstering employment opportunities or facilitating access to healthcare and mental health programs, it is our responsibility to lead by example and honor our veterans’ legacy of service.
Our veterans have given us their best; it is our duty to give them ours. This coming Veterans Day be sure to thank a Veteran for their service and sacrifice. Less than 1% of the population protects the liberties and freedoms of the remaining 99% – let us never forget that.
Melissa Willette
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
207-430-6004
melissa.willette@maine.gov
